The Last Letter and Other Writings: Introduction

My Mind hath often been affected with Sorrow, on Account of the prevailing of that Spirit, which leads from an humble waiting on the inward Teaching of Christ, to pursue Ways of Living, attended with unnecessary Labour, and which draws forth the Minds of many People to seek after outward Power, and to strive for Riches, which frequently introduce Oppression, and bring forth Wars and grievous Calamities.

I have often felt sorrow over the spread of a spirit that leads people away from humbly waiting for Christ's inward teaching. It leads them to pursue ways of living that require unnecessary labor. It also draws many people to seek worldly power and strive for riches. These pursuits often lead to oppression, wars, and terrible calamities.

It is with Reverence that I acknowledge the Mercies of our Heavenly Father, who, in Infinite Love, did visit me in my Youth, and wrought a Belief in me, that through true Obedience a State of inward Purity may be known in this Life, in which we may love Mankind in the same Love with which our Redeemer loveth us, and therein learn Resignation to endure Hardships, for the real Good of others.

I reverently acknowledge the mercies of our Heavenly Father, who visited me in my youth with infinite love. He led me to believe that through true obedience, we may know inward purity in this life. In that state, we may love mankind with the same love our Redeemer has for us. We may also learn to accept hardships for the true good of others.

While the Eye is single, the whole Body is full of Light, Mat. vi. 22. but for want of this, selfish Desires, and an imaginary Superiority, darken the Mind; hence Injustice frequently proceeds; and where this is the Case, to convince the Judgment, is the most effectual Remedy.

When the eye is focused, the whole body is full of light, Matt. 6:22. But when the eye is not focused, selfish desires and imagined superiority darken the mind. This often leads to injustice. In such cases, the most effective remedy is to convince the person's judgment.

Where violent Measures are pursued in opposing Injustice, the Passions, and Resentments, of the Injured, frequently operate in the Prosecution of their Designs; and after Conflicts productive of very great Calamities, the Minds of contending Parties often remain as little acquainted with the pure Principle of Divine Love, as they were before; but where People walk in that pure Light in which all their Works are wrought in God, John iii. 21. and under Oppression persevere in the meek Spirit, and abide firm in the Cause of Truth, without actively complying with oppressive Demands, through those the Lord hath often manifested his Power, in opening the Understandings of others, to the promoting Righteousness in the Earth.

When people use violent methods to oppose injustice, the passions and resentments of the injured often drive their efforts. After conflicts that cause great suffering, the opposing sides often remain as unfamiliar with the pure principle of divine love as before. But some people walk in the pure light in which all their works are done in God, John iii. 21. Under oppression, they persevere in a gentle spirit and remain firm in the cause of truth. They do not actively comply with oppressive demands. Through such people, the Lord has often shown his power by opening the understanding of others, promoting righteousness on earth.

A Time, I believe, is coming, wherein this Divine Work will so spread and prevail, that Nation shall not lift up Sword against Nation, nor learn War any more, Isaiah ii. 4. And as we, through the tender Mercies of God, do feel that this precious Work is begun, I am concerned to encourage my Brethren and Sisters in a Holy Care and Diligence, that each of us may so live, under the sanctifying Power of Truth, as to be redeemed from all unnecessary Cares; that our Eye being single to him, no Customs, however prevalent, which are contrary to the Wisdom from above, may hinder us from faithfully following his Holy Leadings, in whatsoever he may graciously appoint for us.

I believe a time is coming when this divine work will spread and prevail. Then nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor learn war any more, Isaiah 2:4. Through God's tender mercies, we feel that this precious work has begun. So I feel called to encourage my brothers and sisters to live with holy care and diligence. May each of us live under the power of truth that makes us holy, so that we may be freed from all unnecessary cares. May we keep our eyes fixed on him alone, so that no customs, however widespread, keep us from faithfully following his holy guidance. May we follow him in whatever he graciously appoints for us, even when customs go against the wisdom from above.